Experience the best of Twin Cities’ architecture, art, theater, and music, led throughout by cultural experts. Discover an incredible range of art at the superb Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. At the renowned Guthrie Theater, go backstage and attend a performance. Discover award-winning architectural marvels such as the Weisman Art Museum, and attend a concert at one of the cities’ famed concert venues. Explore the City of Lakes by coach, walk its historical riverfront, and take a peek at Twin City St. Paul.

Highlights

• Go backstage at the architecturally intriguing Guthrie Theater and attend an outstanding performance.• Explore masterpieces of world art at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Walker Art Center.• Discover hidden treasures at the lovely American Swedish Institute’s Turnblad Mansion and the historic Foshay Tower.

Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles. Standing up to one hour at museums. Mostly level terrain; some gravel garden paths.

Date Specific Information

5-21-2013

World Premiere performance at the Guthrie Theater of "The Primrose Path," by Crispin Whittell based on the novel "Home of the Gentry" by Ivan Turgenev, directed by Roger Rees, 2012 Tony nominee for Best Direction of a Play; Flying Forms Road Scholar concert at the Baroque Room.Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.

Guthrie Theater performance: "To Kill a Mockingbird", an adaptation of the Harper Lee's Pulitizer Prize-winning 1960 novel about the fight against racial injustice in the Deep South.
Musical performance will be St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.

Coordinated by Road Scholar.

Minneapolis

The 24 lakes now contained within Minneapolis inspired Minnesota schoolmaster Charles Hoag to combine the Dakota word for water with the Greek word for city, resulting in today’s modern moniker. Once the global center of the timber milling industry, Minneapolis is the state’s largest city and adjoins twin city and Minnesota capital St. Paul.

Accommodations
Comfortable hotel in the heart of Minneapolis, easy access to downtown sites and activities.

Road Scholar Instructors

These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.

Megan Vossler

Megan Vossler received her bachelor’s in studio arts from Brown University, and her master’s in visual studies at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Her graphite drawings, mixed media pieces, and video works are exhibited nationwide, with recent shows at Franklin Art Works, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Soap Factory, and the Wooster Art Museum in Ohio. Megan has been the recipient of several prestigious awards, and is an active member of the Twin Cities arts community.

Peter Sussman

Peter Sussman is an architect and a lifelong resident of Minneapolis. He has degrees from the University of Minnesota in architecture and urban studies. He has been actively involved throughout his career in researching, writing, speaking and leading tours on community history and quality of life. He currently serves on the community and arts boards including Preserve Minneapolis, Minnesota Streetcar Museum, and the Edina Heritage Preservation Board. He has appeared in Twin Cities Public Television documentaries about parks, architecture, and the Walker Arts Center.

John S. Adams

Geography Professor Emeritus John S. Adams, has made the world—from Minneapolis neighborhoods to Eastern European cities—his classroom. Though he has extensive experience traveling and working internationally, the core of his research and teaching is the American city. His interest is in how cities are linked to regional, national, and international economies and how they marshal social, physical, and political forces to produce positive outcomes for the people who live in them. Though John has published more than 100 articles, books, and reports in his career, his greatest legacy takes form in the contributions his students are making in the public and private sectors. These students are having a positive impact in their communities by applying the principles learned in John’s classes –a distinctive blend of entrepreneurial spirit, competitive efficiency and corporate social responsibility. Cities are complex systems and through John’s knowledgeable lens we see deeper into our own.

Meals and Lodgings

Best Western Plus Normandy Inn & Suites

Minneapolis, MN

5 nights

Best Western Plus Normandy Inn & Suites

Type:

Three-Star Hotel

Description:

The Best Western Normandy Inn & Suites is centrally located in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis. The hotel is five blocks from the Metrodome Stadium and the Minneapolis Convention Center. Orchestra Hall, the Orpheum and State Theatres, the Target center and other downtown entertainment venues are an easy walk from the hotel.
The Best Western Normandy Inn & Suites is easily accessible from major freeways including I-94, I-35W and I-394. The light rail line to the airport and Mall of America is only a few blocks from the hotel and the city's renowned skyway system is accessible across the street.

This 100% non smoking hotel includes a business center, self laundry (washer and dryer $1.50 each), dry cleaning Monday through Friday, a sauna, a whirlpool, a heated indoor pool, a 24-hour exercise studio, a cocktail lounge, a restaurant, safe deposit boxes, and a 24-hour front desk. Hotel is wheelchair accessible. There are complimentary newspapers in the lobby and milk and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies are served every evening at 10 PM.

Smoking allowed:

No

Elevators available:

Yes

Additional nights prior:

Call hotel for rates To make reservations before and after the program, contact the Best Western Normandy Inn & Suites by phone at 612-370-1400. Be sure to mention you are with the Road Scholar group. We encourage you to book additional nights at your earliest convenience as it is possible for the hotel to sell out.

Check in time:

3:00 PM

Additional nights after:

Call hotel for rates To make reservations before and after the program, contact the Best Western Normandy Inn & Suites by phone at 612-370-1400. Be sure to mention you are with the Road Scholar group. We encourage you to book additional nights at your earliest convenience as it is possible for the hotel to sell out.

Parking
availability:
Parking is available at the hotel at prevailing rate- currently $7 a night. Price is subject to change.

Transportation

To
Start of Program

Location:

Minneapolis, MN

Nearest
city or town:

Minneapolis

Nearest
highway:

I-94, I-394, I-35

Nearest
airport:

Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

From
End of Program

Location:

Minneapolis, MN

(Additional
transportation information
same as above)

Travel Details

Minneapolis- Best Western Normandy Inn & Suites

From Airport

Service:

Public TransportationHiawatha Light Railphone: 612-373-3333

Per Person/One Way:

$2.25 Prices are subject to change.Prices are subject to change.

Travel Time:

22 minutes, plus 5 minutes walking

Take the Hiawatha Line (Route 55) from the airport to Government Plaza Station (located at 352 South 5th St). Walk three blocks (0.3 miles) southwest along 4th Ave to the hotel. You must pay for your ride before boarding the train. Visit www.metrotransit.org for more information.

Minneapolis

From Airport

Service:

Per Person/One Way:

$16 for each person, one way. Prices subject to changePrices are subject to change.

Travel Time:

Time varies due to traffic and ride share

Please visit www.supershuttle.com for more information.

Minneapolis- Best Western Normandy Inn & Suites

From Airport

Service:

Taxi

Per Person/One Way:

$35 - $45 Price subject to changePrices are subject to change.

Travel Time:

Approximately 25 minutes. Could vary due to traffic.

Taxi service at the Lindbergh Terminal is accessible via the Tram Level. Signs direct passengers one level up to the cab starter booth, where airport staff will assist passengers in obtaining a taxi. At the Humphrey Terminal, taxi service is available at the Humphrey Ground Transport Center, which is located in the Humphrey Parking ramp on Level 1.
A $6.50 fare will be displayed on the meter at the onset of your trip. This fee includes a $2.50 flag drop and a $4 airport access fee.

Minneapolis- Best Western Normandy Inn & Suites

From Train Station

Service:

Taxi

The Amtrak station, Midway Station, is located at 730 Transfer Road in St. Paul, approximately 5.5 miles from the hotel. For more information on fares and schedules, contact Amtrak at 1-800-872-7245 or visit www.amtrak.com. Catch a taxi from the station to the hotel.

Minneapolis- Best Western Normandy Inn & Suites

From Bus Terminal

Service:

Taxi

The Greyhound bus station is located at 950 Hawthorne Ave in Minneapolis, less than 1 mile from the hotel. For information on fares and schedule, contact Greyhound at 1-800-231-2222 or visit www.greyhound.com. Catch a taxi to the hotel.

Take the Fifth Street Exit
Turn left onto Portland Ave
Turn right onto 9th St
The hotel parking lot will be 1.5 blocks on your right

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Hotel check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Program registration is from 4:00 - 4:30 PM, followed by orientation beginning at 4:30 PM.

Dinner:

Get acquainted with your fellow scholars at this evening's delightful meal at the Normandy Kitchen, known throughout the city for its fine food. Enjoy their celebrated "popovers!"

Evening:

Explore the "arts explosion" in Minneapolis with our art expert as she prepares us for our upcoming art adventure tomorrow, and as we begin to delve into the the breadth of the arts, theater and music that makes the Cities a cultural mecca.

Speaker- Historical Minneapolis//City of Lakes Via Motor Coach/Treasures of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts(Wednesday, May 22)

Breakfast:

Breakfast at our hotel.

Morning:

Our expert, a former University Minnesota professor and author, guides us through a stimulating overview of historical Minneapolis, preparing us for further discovery in our upcoming "City of Lakes" field trip.

Set off on our field trip around the Chain of Lakes aboard our motor coach. Your expert guide unravels further aspects of city history and local lore as you view this unique "City of Lakes" - 22 lakes within its boundaries and all in a "green urban environment!"

Lunch:

Lunch at Elsies, a local favorite eatery.

Afternoon:

Off to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, with over 80,000 works of art spanning more than 5,000 years of world art and culture...an art lover's paradise! Expert art docents guide you on a custom-designed exploration of this major collection of arts from around the world.

Time on your own then to explore Chinese bronzes, Rembrandts, El Grecos, Frank Lloyd Wright furniture, a Chinese reception hall or Egyptian mummies.

Dinner:

Delightful dinner in the lovely ambience of Mission American Kitchen. Perhaps you'll choose to test out "walleye," a Midwest favorite!

Learn about the Twin Cities' diversity of musical scene from our musical expert.

Then on to explore the largest urban sculpture garden in the United States. Stroll its 11 acres, guided by your expert. Enjoy over 40 sculptures including Frank Gehry's "Standing Fish," and the Minneapolis iconic sculpture "Spoonbridge and Cherry."

The Walker Art Center, known as one of the best contemporary art museums in the U.S., welcomes us later this morning as we study its unique architectural design as well as view its famous art collection within.

Lunch:

Enjoy lunch at the Walker Art Center.

Afternoon:

Explore the Swedish heritage of the Twin Cities as you walk back in time at the magnificent Turnblad Mansion, former home to Swedish immigrant newspaperman Swan J. Turnblad, and today home to the American Swedish Institute. This historic house, museum and cultural center, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, celebrates Swedish, Swedish-American and Nordic culture.

Completed in 1908, this French Chateauesque-style mansion, with its intricate stone carvings, steeply pitched roofs, gargoyles, and turrets lend it a castle-like appearance. History comes alive as our expert guides you through it's beautiful blend of period rooms and exhibit galleries showcasing art and artifacts from the Institute's vast permanent collection.

Return to the hotel and then free time follows. The rest of the afternoon and evening is open for you to explore this marvelous city.

A Minneapolis theater experience awaits you today at the stunning Guthrie Theater! Guided by an expert, learn the Guthrie Story. Why did Sir Tyrone Guthrie chose Minneapolis above all other cities to build his grand theater?

Go backstage to view its state-of-the-art costume and scene shops to understand how the Guthrie has taken stagecraft to a new level.

Discover the architectural mastery of Jean Nouvel, French architect of the Guthrie, and winner of the 2008 Pritzker Award, the world's most prestigious architectural prize for his brilliant design of the Guthrie. Cantilevered endless bridge, twilight blue metal facade, two story-high images from Guthrie plays screen-printed onto steel panels- all exclaim a fascinating artistry.

Guthrie website: www.guthrietheater.org/

Lunch:

Lunch at Sea Change, the fine dining restaurant located within the Guthrie.

Depart by bus then to learn about Frank Gehry's remarkable design of the architectural marvel, the Weisman Art Museum, and view the exciting new addition just completed in 2011 guided by our docent.

Weisman website: weisman.umn.edu/

Lunch:

Lunch on your own as we stop at Nicollet Mall where you'll find options galore.

Afternoon:

Top off the afternoon and your understanding of the expansive growth of the city, as we go back to one of the first "skyscraper" landmarks in Minneapolis. At the top of the Foshay Tower the history of the city unfolds before you in an unparalleled comparison of Minneapolis past and present.

Then we'll take a short hop over to St. Paul where we'll take a guided field trip of some of the special treasures of this Twin City.

Dinner:

Dinner at a local favorite restaurant, Pazzaluna.

Evening:

Flying Forms will present a classical music concert at the Baroque Room in St. Paul.

Free Time Opportunities

Minneapolis, MN

American Swedish InstituteIn 1908, the Turnblads—a Swedish immigrant family—completed the construction of their castle-like mansion on Minneapolis’ Park Avenue. Just twenty-one years later, they gave it all away to the community, founding the museum and cultural center that would become the American Swedish Institute.

Today, the American Swedish Institute, housed in the Turnblad Mansion, is a place to learn about and experience Swedish, Swedish-American, and Nordic culture, learn about the role of Swedish and other immigrants in Minnesota’s history, and share stories and experiences.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is operated by the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department. The zoo features a seal island, a large cat exhibit, a variety of aquatic life, primates, birds, African hoofed animals and a world class polar bear exhibit.
The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is a half acre indoor and outdoor facility with a number of different wings dedicated to a variety of plant life including bonsai trees, ferns, orchids and seasonal flowers.
Information from www.comozooconservatory.org. For additional information call 651-487-8200 or visit their website.
For additional information, visit www.comozooconservatory.org

Guthrie Theater
While the Guthrie Theater's mission and artistic excellence have remained constant, much has changed over the past four decades. What began as a summer season of four productions supported by a minimal staff is now a complex organization employing more than 900 people per year. As the Guthrie entered the millennium, plans began to build a new multistage theater center on the banks of the Mississippi River. It opened June 25, 2006, and the complex includes three stages: a classic thrust stage for the grand-scale classics of the centuries, a proscenium stage for the more intimate classics of this century, and a studio theater for developing the classics of tomorrow.
Information from www.guthrietheater.org. For additional information call 612-225-6000 or visit their website. For additional information, visit www.guthrietheater.org

James J. Hill House
Completed in 1891, the James J. Hill House, in St. Paul, was the largest and most expensive home in Minnesota. It contained 36,000 square feet on five floors including 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, 16 crystal chandeliers, a two-story skylit art gallery, a 100-foot reception hall, and a profusion of elaborately carved oak and mahogany woodwork. Sophisticated technical systems throughout the mansion provided central heating, gas and electric lighting, plumbing, ventilation, security, and communication.
Information from www.mnhs.org/places/sites/jjhh/. For additional information call 651-297-2555 or visit their website.
For additional information, visit www.mnhs.org/places/sites/jjhh/

Lyndale Park Rose Garden
Showcasing 3,000 plants in 100 different varieties, the Lyndale Park Rose Garden is the second oldest public rose garden in the United States. Located near the northeast corner of Lake Harriet, the 1.5 acre garden was designated an official All America Rose Selections (AARS) test rose garden in 1946.
Information from www.minneapolisparks.org. For additional information call 612-230-6400 or visit their website. For additional information, visit www.minneapolisparks.org

Mall of America
As one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, Mall of America features 520 stores, 50 restaurants and attractions galore, including Nickelodeon Universe, the nation's largest theme park. Plus, there's no sales tax on clothing or shoes in Minnesota!
Information from www.mallofamerica.com. For additional information call 952-883-8800 or visit their website.
For additional information, visit www.mallofamerica.com

Minneapolis Institute of Arts
In 1883, twenty-five citizens of Minneapolis founded the Minneapolis Society of Fine Arts, committing them to bringing the arts into the life of their community. More than a century later, the museum they created, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, stands as a monument to a remarkable history of civic involvement and cultural achievement.
The MIA's permanent collection has grown from eight hundred works of art to around eighty thousand objects. The MIA has seven curatorial areas: Arts of Africa & the Americas; Contemporary Art; Decorative Arts, Textiles & Sculpture; Asian Art; Paintings; Photography and New Media; Prints and Drawings; and Textiles.
Information from www.artsmia.org. For additional information call 612-870-3131 or visit their website. For additional information, visit www.artsmia.org

Minneapolis Park & Recreation
Minneapolis Park and Recreation is one of the premier park systems in the United States. Its picturesque lakes, neighborhood parks, recreation centers and diversified programming have made the park system an important component of what makes Minneapolis a great place to live, play and work.
The Minneapolis Park System consists of 182 park properties, including local and regional parks, playgrounds, golf courses, gardens, picnic areas, biking and walking paths, nature sanctuaries and the 55-mile Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. Together, these properties total nearly 6,732 acres of land and water.
Information from www.minneapolisparks.org. For additional information call
612-230-6400 or visit their website.
For additional information, visit www.minneapolisparks.org

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is one of Minnesota's crown jewels and its centerpiece, the Spoonbridge and Cherry, has become a Minnesota icon. The Sculpture Garden is essentially a free museum in a park, uniting two of Minnesota’s most cherished resources—its greenspace and its cultural life.
Information from garden.walkerart.org. For additional information, call 612-375-7600 or visit their website. For additional information, visit garden.walkerart.org

Minnesota History Center
The Minnesota History Center houses a museum, library, classrooms, conference rooms, an auditorium, two museum stores and the renowned Café Minnesota.
The museum’s innovative, interactive exhibits showcase the collections. Visitors can climb aboard a 24-ton box car or experience the extremes of Minnesota weather in a multimedia show that recreates the power of a tornado.
Information from www.mnhs.org/historycenter. For additional information call
651-296-3000 or visit their website. For additional information, visit www.mnhs.org/historycenter

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
The Arboretum, in Chanhassen, features more than 1,000 acres of magnificent gardens, model landscapes, and natural areas-from woodlands and wetlands to prairie-with extensive collections of northern-hardy plants. Tour the Arboretum on 12.5 miles of garden paths and hiking trails. Information from www.arboretum.umn.edu. For additional information call 952-443-1400 or visit their website.
For additional information, visit www.arboretum.umn.edu

Paradise Cruises
Paradise Charter Cruises and Minneapolis Queen offer sightseeing cruises, scenic tours and private charters on Lake Minnetonka and the Mississippi River. Take a narrated sightseeing cruise on the historic Minneapolis Queen Paddleboat, a 100' modern day replica of the grand riverboats that used to ply the Mississippi River.
Information from www.twincitiescruises.com. For additional information call 888-559-8058 or visit their website. For additional information, visit www.twincitiescruises.com

Walker Art Center
Formally established in 1927, the Walker Art Center became the first public art gallery in the Upper Midwest. The museum’s focus on modern art began in the 1940s, when a gift from Mrs. Gilbert Walker made possible the acquisition of works by important artists of the day, including sculptures by Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore, Alberto Giacometti, and others. Today the Walker Art Center ranks among the five most-visited modern/contemporary art museums in the United States.
Information from www.walkerart.org. For additional information call 612-375-7600 or visit their website.
For additional information, visit www.walkerart.org

Weisman Art Museum
Housed in a striking stainless steel and brick building designed by architect Frank Gehry, the Weisman Art Museum offers an educational and friendly museum experience. The museum’s collection features early twentieth-century American artists, such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Marsden Hartley, as well as a diverse selection of ceramics and contemporary art.
Information provided by www.weisman.umn.edu. For additional information call 612-625-9494 or visit their website.
For additional information, visit www.weisman.umn.edu

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List

AIA Guide to the Twin Cities: The Essential Source on the Architecture of Minneapolis and St. Paul

Author: Larry Millett

Minnesota’s 20th Century: Stories of Extraordinary Everyday People

Author: D.J. Tice and Richard Olsenius

Pontoon: A Lake Wobegon Novel

Author: Garrison Keillor

Staggerford

Author: Jon Hassler

The North Star State: A Minnesota History Reader

Author: Anne Aby, ed.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

5 nights accommodations

12 meals:
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners

Expert-led lectures: 5

Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.

Field trips: 11

Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.

Performances: 2

Performances

A performance can range from a night at the opera to a visit from a local performer at your hotel.

Plus these special experiences...

Go backstage at the architecturally intriguing Guthrie Theater and attend an outstanding performance.

Explore masterpieces of world art at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Walker Art Center.

Discover hidden treasures at the lovely American Swedish Institute’s Turnblad Mansion and the historic Foshay Tower.